Absolute neutrophil count
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Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a measure of the number of neutrophil granulocytes (also known as polymorphonuclear cells, PMN's, polys, granulocytes, segmented neutrophils or segs) present in the blood. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fights against infection. A defficiency of neutrophils, known as neutropenia, may increase chances of infection.
The ANC is calculated from measurements of the total number of white blood cells (WBC) and the numbers of neutrophils and bands, which form a subset of the total number of white blood cells. A normal ANC is above 1,500. An ANC less than 500 is defined as neutropenia and significantly increases the risk of infection. Neutropenia is the condition of a low ANC, and the most common condition where an ANC would be measured is in the setting of chemotherapy for cancer.
The unit of ANC is cells per microlitre of blood.
Neutrophils/granulocytes
| NCI Risk Category | ANC |
|---|---|
| 0 | WNL |
| 1 | ≥1500 - <2000/mm3 |
| 2 | ≥1000 - <1500/mm3 |
| 3 | ≥500 - <1000/mm3 |
| 4 | < 500/mm |
Source: NCI CTC Toxicity scale Version 2.0 [1]
